Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
THE final countdown to the biggest night on Zimbabwe’s pageantry calendar has officially begun.
Former Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi, is expected to touch down in Harare this afternoon ahead of the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 Grand Finale, scheduled for Saturday.
The South African beauty queen, actress and television personality will headline an impressive list of regional and international guests expected for the glamorous event, which is set to crown Zimbabwe’s next beauty queens.
Organisers confirmed that Zozi is expected to arrive around midday today as preparations for the grand finale enter the final stretch.
“We are excited to welcome Zozi to Zimbabwe. She is expected to arrive at around 12pm and will be leading a delegation of regional guests coming for the Miss Universe Zimbabwe finale.
“Her presence adds immense value to this year’s event and reflects the growing stature of our pageant on the international stage,” said the organisers.
Zozi is one of the master of ceremonies and she will have a meet-and-greet with the contestants as well.
It’s Zozi’s first trip to Zimbabwe, making the occasion even more special for local pageant enthusiasts.
In 2019, the celebrated beauty queen became the third South African woman to win the Miss Universe crown.
She earned worldwide admiration for her confidence, authenticity and advocacy for women empowerment.
Her appointment as host of the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 finale has already generated excitement across the region.
Organisers are describing her as one of the most influential women to emerge from the global Miss Universe platform.
Meanwhile, all eyes are now on the 18 finalists who are currently undergoing an intensive bootcamp at a secret location ahead of Saturday’s showdown.
The contestants have been immersed in a demanding programme designed to prepare them for the biggest night of their pageant journey.
From runway training and public speaking sessions to fitness drills, media engagements and leadership workshops, the finalists are being polished into world-class ambassadors capable of representing Zimbabwe on the global stage.
Sources close to the pageant say the bootcamp atmosphere has been electric, with contestants pushing themselves to the limit in pursuit of one of the coveted national crowns.
This year’s competition has attracted unprecedented attention after organisers announced a historic expansion of the franchise portfolio.
Instead of crowning one winner, the pageant will select five titleholders who will represent Zimbabwe at major international pageants.
The winners will be crowned as Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Miss World Zimbabwe, Miss International Zimbabwe, Miss Supranational Zimbabwe and Miss Cosmo Zimbabwe.
The development has been hailed as a game-changer for Zimbabwean pageantry, creating more opportunities for local models to showcase their talent on the global stage.
Preparations for the grand finale are at an advanced stage, with organisers promising a world-class production featuring dazzling entertainment, celebrity appearances and spectacular stage presentations.
Industry insiders believe this year’s edition could be the biggest and most competitive in the history of the franchise, thanks to the quality of contestants, increased international attention and the presence of globally recognised personalities such as Zozi.
Mathew Masinge